Arsenal Transfer News: Hector Bellerin Eyed in Manchester United, City Rumours

Manchester United and Manchester City will reportedly "go head-to-head" to try to sign Arsenal's Hector Bellerin this summer.

That's according to Spanish outlet Sport (h/t Calciomercato.com), which reported that despite Bellerin being contracted with the Gunners for three more years, "a summer move is now possible."

Man City's current options at right-back are Bacary Sagna and Pablo Zabaleta, who are 33 and 31, respectively, so the squad would benefit from a youthful option there.

Further, former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola will be the Sky Blues' manager next season. Bellerin spent much of his youth career with the Blaugrana's La Masia academy, so the Spaniard will be well aware of his abilities.

Meanwhile, Matteo Darmian did not have the best of debut seasons with United, and Antonio Valencia is rumoured to be among the players to be gotten rid of if Jose Mourinho takes charge, per from Neil Custis of the Sun.

Bellerin broke into the Gunners' first team last season as cover for the injured Mathieu Debuchy and rapidly established himself as their No. 1 right-back, a position he further cemented with another excellent campaign.

Football journalist Rafael Hernandez hailed his development:

"

As usual, Bellerin had a nice match and his acceleration never ceases to astound me, shaping up to become a great right back.

— Rafael Hernández (@RafaelH117) February 23, 2016"

According to Squawka, the 21-year-old made five assists in the Premier League this season and completed an impressive 63 of 95 take-ons he attempted. The speedster's defensive game is also steadily improving—he won 47 tackles and made 67 interceptions and 105 clearances this season.

His efforts were enough to earn him a place in the PFA's Premier League Team of the Year:

However, they were not enough for Spain manager Vicente del Bosque to select him ahead of Juanfran and Dani Carvajal for the European Championship this summer, per Bleacher Report UK's Sam Tighe:

International recognition seems inevitable, though, and the Gunners cannot afford to lose him—particularly to one of their rivals.

Fortunately for Arsenal, it seems he's content where he is. Per Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo (h/t Metro's Max Miller), he said: "I am very happy there, so I don’t see myself anywhere else other than Arsenal."

While Arsenal have allowed a number of stars to head to City or United in the past—such as Sagna, Samir Nasri and Robin van Persie—expect them to keep hold of Bellerin this summer.